BASIC INFORMATION
Prayer Walk is a strategy used worldwide to identify People of Peace—those who welcome you by engaging in conversation, accepting prayer, listening to Scripture, and are willing to share it with others. Here are the key steps to follow:
Seek the Holy Spirit for Guidance: Begin by asking the Holy Spirit for direction on where to go and whom to approach. Be open and expectant. John 4:35
Target Receptive Groups: Focus on those most likely to respond by looking for individuals in the PIPSY category: Poor, Internationals, Prisoners, Sick, and Youth. Also, consider those who have received aid from local ministries, as they may be especially responsive. That being said, you can always walk other areas, going door to door.
Approach in Pairs: If you're in groups, be sure to approach people and homes in pairs. When you arrive, knock on the door—friends knock, strangers ring the bell.
SUGGESTED APPROACH
Introduce yourself and explain that you are followers of Jesus who are encouraging people by praying for them. Ask if you can pray for them and what they most need prayer for right now in their life.
Listen for pain points as they share their needs, and gently explore them by asking questions. Show genuine sympathy and step into what they are going through. Ask how they are coping and dealing with any hardship or difficulty.
Before praying, offer to share an encouraging story from the Bible using the DBS Story Sets. If possible, try to align the story with their current situation. Share the story from memory and then ask, "What does this story teach us about God and people?" Be ready to ask follow-up questions such as, "Is there any part of this story that you can relate to?" Again, humbly pursue pain points with questions.
Pray by allowing what the person has just shared to shape your words to God. This creates a powerful moment by inviting God into their lives in an immediate and powerful way. Additionally, it enables them to feel the presence of God, providing hope and comfort. It also fosters a sense of being heard and cared for, reinforcing the connection between them, you, and God.
After praying, ask if they know others (family and friends) who would be encouraged to hear the story from them. This is crucial as it identifies a potential person of peace and sets the stage for multiplication. If they say yes, text them the story along with the questions. Follow up in 24 hours to see if they have shared the story. If they have, send another. Once they do this two or three times, meet again to teach them about Discovery Bible Study (DBS).
Begin now. Don't wait. You'll learn as you go. If possible, join someone who has previous prayer walk experience. However, if necessary, start the process yourself by going out trusting the Holy Spirit. Remember, you may be by yourself, but you're never alone (Matthew 28:18). Take someone with you as soon as possible.
Review a Sample Script: "Hi, my name is [Your Name] and this is [Partner's Name]. We are followers of Jesus, going around encouraging people by praying for them. May we pray for you, and if so, what do you need prayer for most in your life right now?" Listen to their answers and gently pursue pain points. Before praying, say, "Before we pray, can I share an encouraging story from the Bible with you?" If they say yes, share a story from memory from the list below. Be ready with at least one story before you prayer walk. Then ask, "What does this story teach us about God and people?" Explore their answers, and be ready to ask, "Is there any part of this story you can relate to, and if so what is it?" Then pray for them, based on all the information they shared. Then ask, "Do you have family or friends who would be encouraged to hear this story from you?" If they respond positively, text the story and the "God and people" question to them.
STORIES
Consider these stories to address felt needs that surface during your visit.
Consider these stories to address felt needs that surface during your visit.
- Broken relationships: The Prodigal Son. Luke 15:11-14
- Anxiety: Jesus Calms the Storm. Mark 4:35-51
- Busyness: Jesus and Mary/Martha. Luke 10:38-42
- Forgiveness; Jesus and the Immoral Woman. Luke 7:36-50
- Difficulties. Jesus Walks on Water. Matthew 14:22-33
- Parenting. Shema. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
- Provisions. Jesus and the Large Catch of Fish. Luke 5:1-11
- The Right Heart. Four Soils. Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23
- Obedience. Jesus Heals the Ten Lepers. Luke 17:11-19
- Fear. Jesus Calms the Storm. Mark 4:35-41
Resources
- Watch Compassion (8:05)
- Watch Persons of Pease (5:41)
- Watch Finding Access on Mission (37:30)
- Watch Access Ministry (56:03)
- Watch Movements in Sudan thru Access Ministsry (46:53)
- View DMM Resources